Thursday, December 29, 2022

Cherry Picking God's Commands

"For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:16-17

Are you familiar with the term "cherry picking"? If not, it means that someone picks what looks good to them and leaves what does not. So what does "cherry picking" and "a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart" have to do with each other? Glad you asked!

In Psalm 51, King David was referring to being submitted to God. A heart that is not broken before God is full of pride. Rather than submit to the will of God, the person resists - goes the way that seems right to them. 

Like in the Book of Judges, "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." They had no earthly king so them acted as they saw fit. And yet, they were still under God's authority. As Christians we must be on our guard against compromising our relationship with God who is the supreme authority and law giver. It is too easy to ignore or selectively disobey God. In fact it can seem very reasonable to us. We often minimize the significance of choosing to disobey what we know is right in favor of what God has clearly said is wrong.

"For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it." - James 2:10

This is not about living in fear of sinning. My point is that we must be careful that we don't willingly commit sins just because it convenient (the easy way) or conventional (everyone is doing it). Speeding comes to mind. Speed limits are in place for a purpose - safety. It is convenient and conventional to ignore the speed limits. Just drive in Houston and you will see. Sometimes when everyone is driving faster than the speed limit, not to drive with traffic at the higher speed with them can be hazardous.  But let someone see a police car and then watch the brake lights come on. The people know that it is unlawful to speed but they will so long as they think law enforcement is not watching. Same thing with God. If we think that God is not watching then we might choose to "speed". The problem is - Christian - that you are sealed with the Spirit of God. You are a temple of the Holy Spirit. There is not time when God is not with you. The thing is - you are not sensitive to His presence. But as soon as you are - the brake lights come on.

There is a saying, "You can make me do it, but you can't make me like it!" Speeders don't like it if they have to slow down so they don't get a ticket. They may be driving their car at the speed limit but their hearts are still speeding. And as soon as they think it is safe, Katie bar the door, they put the pedal to the metal. As a Christian, if you find obedience to the Word as troublesome or inconvenient, if you would prefer to speed, you have a love problem. 

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." - John 14:15

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

No comments: